Northern NSW Local Health DistrictNorthern NSW Local Health Districthttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
Northern NSW Public HealthFri, 24 May 2019 02:33:18 +0000en-AUhourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.1Let’s talk about sex – a ladies’ night for cancer survivorshttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/24/lets-talk-about-sex-a-ladies-night-for-cancer-survivors/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/24/lets-talk-about-sex-a-ladies-night-for-cancer-survivors/#respondFri, 24 May 2019 02:33:18 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18968Cancer survivors in Northern NSW will have a unique chance to ask all the questions they’ve ever wanted answered on intimacy and sex at a special women-only event in Ballina next week.

“Surviving cancer is a reason to celebrate, however it also comes with challenges and fears, and for many women an important part of healing can be reconnecting with their sexuality,” Kerrin said.

“Sexuality is a key part of our wellbeing, just like our mental or physical health, but is often overlooked by health professionals or dismissed as something that women shouldn’t prioritise.

“There is a lot of mythology around about female sexuality and pleasure that can also be really unhelpful when trying to find a new normal,” Kerrin said.

The event is being hosted by the Richmond Breast Care Nurse service, part of Northern NSW Local Health District, with the generous support of Primex.

Richmond Network Community Health Manager, Lisa Beasley, said the event was the first of its kind for the local area.

“This is a great chance for women to come together, ask questions in a safe space, and talk about their experience or what to expect during and after cancer treatment,” Lisa said.

“Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone blocking medications can cause early menopause, which in turn can have a profound effect on sexuality.

“We have specialised cancer care nurses who provide support to women in Northern NSW throughout their treatment, but this event is a special occasion to cover issues that many women feel embarrassed about bringing up in a one on one situation.”

Northern NSW Local Health District spends over $23 million each year on cancer services across the district.

The event is free. Canapés will be provided. To RSVP, phone Karen on 0439 438 576 or Monica on 0429 097 071 or email richmondBCN@health.nsw.gov.au .

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/24/lets-talk-about-sex-a-ladies-night-for-cancer-survivors/feed/0Volunteering at the heart of health carehttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/23/volunteering-at-the-heart-of-health-care/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/23/volunteering-at-the-heart-of-health-care/#respondWed, 22 May 2019 22:58:55 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18963When Coraki resident, George Thompson, wanted to have a voice in the future of health services in his local community, he joined the Local Health District as a volunteer community representative.

]]>When Coraki resident, George Thompson, wanted to have a voice in the future of health services in his local community, he joined the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) as a volunteer community representative.

After becoming a carer for his wife after she suffered a stroke, George also saw an opportunity to share his own experiences and contribute to building better health services.

“I decided to volunteer as a community representative because of the interest I developed in health matters as a result of my own experiences with health services,” George said.

“I also felt my career experiences in various areas of government would enable me to make a worthwhile contribution.

It’s now been 10 years since George first put up his hand to get involved, and in that time he has been a part of numerous health initiatives in the region, such as the construction of the Coraki Campbell HealthOne, the NNSWLHD Health Literacy Project, and the establishment of a working group focusing on reducing opioid pain medications.

“I have found my involvement very rewarding. I have learnt a lot and met some great people,” George said.

“I encourage anyone to get involved and make a difference.”

During National Volunteer Week, from 20-26 May, NNSWLHD is inviting community members interested in sharing their experiences and helping improve health services to get involved by joining one of the new consultative committees that are being established across the region.

The new groups will provide advice, feedback and guidance to the health service on a range of plans and initiatives.

NNSW LHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said there was a long history of community advisory committees within the LHD, but the health service is renewing its approach to improve the opportunities for community members to get involved.

“You might not have thought of volunteering on a committee, but these groups are such an important part of how we make sure our community is involved in decisions
and plans that affect them,” Mr Jones said.

“Involving patients, carers and the community is vital to help improve our services.”

Community advisory groups are being established in most areas within the NNSWLHD footprint.

“We are looking for a mix of people to participate in committees and special interest groups. I encourage anyone to consider joining our network to share opinions and contribute to building a better health service and a healthier community,” Mr Jones said.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/23/volunteering-at-the-heart-of-health-care/feed/0Northern NSW, we need your inputhttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/20/northern-nsw-we-need-your-input/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/20/northern-nsw-we-need-your-input/#respondMon, 20 May 2019 00:51:05 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18946We are seeking expressions of interest from individuals living in Northern NSW for appointment to a network of local community advisory groups at Tweed, Murwillumbah, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Clarence as well as a new district advisory council.

]]>Would you like to use your experience as a patient, carer or health consumer to improve health services?

We are seeking expressions of interest from individuals living in Northern NSW for appointment to a network of local community advisory groups at Tweed, Murwillumbah, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Clarence as well as a new district advisory council.

The groups will provide advice, feedback and guidance to the health service a range of plans and initiatives.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/20/northern-nsw-we-need-your-input/feed/0Join the Ngayundi Aboriginal Health Council Executivehttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/14/join-the-ngayundi-aboriginal-health-council-executive/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/14/join-the-ngayundi-aboriginal-health-council-executive/#respondTue, 14 May 2019 06:14:17 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18942If you want to provide advice on health service planning, development, delivery, evaluation and prioritisation for Aboriginal communities, then the Ngayundi Aboriginal Health Council Executive is for you.

]]>Northern NSW Local Health District is seeking applications by Aboriginal community members to join the Ngayundi Aboriginal Health Council Executive.

We have extended the closing date to Friday, 31st May 2019. So please let your friends and family know!

If you want to provide advice on health service planning, development, delivery, evaluation and prioritisation with a view to attaining equality of health status and life expectancy for Aboriginal communities, then the Ngayundi Aboriginal Health Council Executive is for you.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/14/join-the-ngayundi-aboriginal-health-council-executive/feed/0Kick-starting hearts with more than coffeehttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/13/kick-starting-hearts-with-more-than-coffee/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/13/kick-starting-hearts-with-more-than-coffee/#respondMon, 13 May 2019 01:11:31 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18923Patients at Murwillumbah District Hospital (MDH) will have six more reasons to smile thanks to a generous donation of new life-saving equipment from the hospital’s volunteer-run Coffee Shop.

]]>Patients at Murwillumbah District Hospital (MDH) will have six more reasons to smile thanks to a generous donation of new life-saving equipment from the hospital’s volunteer-run Coffee Shop.

Profits from the coffee shop help buy equipment for the hospital – this time in the form of six Lifepak 1000 Automatic External defibrillators (AED), which are known for their portability and user-friendliness.

The six units will be placed at the Medical Ward, Surgical Ward, Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit, Recovery, Outpatient Clinic, and the Coffee Shop.

Nurse educators on site have been busy rolling out an education programme to train clinical staff in the use of the new devices. These new machines are an upgrade to replace older models which had been in use for many years.

“Without the support of the amazing team who volunteer their time for our coffee shop, these donations would not be possible,” Kylie said.

“All of the staff at Murwillumbah would like to say a big thank you to all the team at the coffee shop.”

An AED is a sophisticated, yet easy to use device that can automatically analyse a heart’s rhythm and assess if an electric shock is necessary to help re-establish a heartbeat. The units are worth almost $2,500 each.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/13/kick-starting-hearts-with-more-than-coffee/feed/0Winners announced in Northern NSW LHD Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awardshttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/09/winners-announced-in-northern-nsw-lhd-excellence-in-nursing-and-midwifery-awards/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/09/winners-announced-in-northern-nsw-lhd-excellence-in-nursing-and-midwifery-awards/#respondThu, 09 May 2019 01:53:46 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18894The night-of-nights for nurses and midwives in Northern NSW recognises the significant contribution the highly skilled staff make to the health and wellbeing of our region, with nominees and attendees coming from right across the district to celebrate.

]]>Northern NSW Local Health District’s annual Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, held this week in Ballina, is the night-of-nights for nurses and midwives in Northern NSW.

The awards recognise the significant contribution these highly skilled staff make to the health and wellbeing of our region, with nominees and attendees coming from right across the district to celebrate.

This year’s ceremony, falling between International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, also saw the introduction of a new ‘Consumer Appreciation’ category, which for the first time encouraged members of the community to nominate a nurse or midwife for their outstanding care.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees at this year’s ceremony,” Katharine Duffy, Director Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health said.

“I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate all our nurses and midwives across the LHD that these awards represent.

“I was delighted with the number of nomination from our community in response to our new Consumer Appreciation Award. This recipient of this award was Debra Young, a midwife from Lismore who made a significant difference to one of our families during the birth of their child.”

Debra Young receiving the award.

Ms Peta Crawford, Nurse Manager Community and Patient Care Initiatives, presented the award and read out the nomination from the couple who nominated Debra who cared for them before, during and after the birth of their son. As a result, there were very few dry eyes in the room.

“I feel honoured and humbled to receive this award,” Debra said.

“I have the best job of all, I have the privilege of being part of the most incredible journey of a woman to motherhood.”

In 2018/19 the NSW Government is investing $35.3 million in a New Parents Package to support pregnant women and babies, including 100 more midwives to support maternity services and additional nurses for more postnatal home visits ($157 million over four years).

The NSW Government has also committed to a record boost of 5000 nurses and midwives, which will include at least 402 new staff for Northern NSW LHD, including 282 nurses and midwives, 32 doctors, 38 allied health staff and 50 hospital support staff.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/09/winners-announced-in-northern-nsw-lhd-excellence-in-nursing-and-midwifery-awards/feed/0Celebrating midwives through maternity storieshttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/08/celebrating-midwives-through-maternity-stories/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/08/celebrating-midwives-through-maternity-stories/#respondWed, 08 May 2019 01:29:12 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18851Art depicting local aboriginal maternity stories will be donated to Grafton Base Hospital as part of celebrations for International Day of the Midwife.

]]>This year’s annual Nursing and Midwifery Innovation Forum will showcase best-practice innovations in person-centred care developed by nurses and midwives across the Northern NSW Local Health District.

The forum will focus on ‘transforming practice for our patients’, with the keynote address being given by NSW Health’s Deputy Secretary, Susan Pearce.

Ms Pearce’s address will focus on the role of nursing and midwifery in improving patient experience.

“Nurses and midwives contribute so much to our health system. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, caring for our patients, and I look forward to discussing how they can continue to lead the way in improving the experience of our patients and their carers,” Ms Pearce said.

As well as sharing the achievements and innovations of our nurses and midwives, the event is also a platform for celebrating their great work, with the annual NNSWLHD Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards ceremony held after the forum.

“This is our flagship event on the Northern NSW Nursing and Midwifery Service calendar, providing an opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our nurses and midwives across Northern NSW,” Director Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health, Katharine Duffy, said.

“This year is particularly exciting with a new consumer appreciation award being given.

“This award recognises a nurse or midwife who has demonstrated outstanding person-centred care, with the nominees put forward by members of the community.”
Other speakers at the Forum include:

The forum will coincide with celebrations for International Day of the Midwife, which was on 5 May, and International Nurses Day on 12 May.

The NSW Government has committed to the largest Australian healthcare workforce boost with an extra 5000 nurses and midwives across regional and metropolitan areas over four years, as part of a $2.8 billion investment in frontline staff.NSW now employs a record 51,890 nurses and midwives, and this year a record 2500 graduate nurses and midwives began their careers at 130 hospitals and health services.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/07/transforming-practice-the-focus-at-innovation-forum/feed/0Our Kids are getting cosyhttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/03/our-kids-are-getting-cosy/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/03/our-kids-are-getting-cosy/#respondFri, 03 May 2019 02:32:49 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18813Thanks to the generosity of our local community, three new special deliveries have recently arrived at the Lismore Base Hospital Special Care Nursery.

Leo Senese and Kai Hansen from Morgans Financial have been supporting a campaign to purchase additional Cosytherm Infant Warming Mattresses, each worth $7,500, by pledging to match all community donations up to a combined total of $7,500.

When the call for donations went out through The Northern Star, a local couple Mr and Mrs Heaton saw the article and generously donated $7,500 to purchase one of these mattresses.

Thanks to proceeds from the Gill Crawford Lismore Golf Day and the generosity of other local businesses, combined with Morgans Financial and the Heaton’s donations, three Cosytherm Infant Warming Mattresses have recently been purchased and are now regularly in use.

“The Cosytherm mattresses are a unique way for babies to be kept warm to assist in their growth. The addition of these to the nursery means more babies can be taken out of the humidicribs earlier and nursed closer to their mothers, which is a wonderful outcome for our babies,” said Dr Chris Ingall, Paediatrician and founder of Our Kids.

“With the extra warmth these mattresses provide, the babies will put on weight and go home just that little bit sooner,” Dr Ingall said.

Morgans Financial have been supporting Our Kids for over five years, and are also the naming partner for the Our Kids Annual Winter Ball coming up in May. Throughout this partnership, they have donated more than $30,000 to help support the work of Our Kids.

For more information about Our Kids or to donate, contact Rebekka Battista on 0438 417 085.

]]>https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/03/our-kids-are-getting-cosy/feed/0NORTHERN NSW RESIDENTS REMINDED TO GET THEIR FLU SHOThttps://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/01/northern-nsw-residents-reminded-to-get-their-flu-shot/
https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/blog/2019/05/01/northern-nsw-residents-reminded-to-get-their-flu-shot/#respondWed, 01 May 2019 04:35:07 +0000Northern NSW Local Health Districthttp://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/?p=18800The Northern NSW community is being reminded to get their flu vaccine with the launch of the 2019 flu campaign today.

]]>The Northern NSW community is being reminded to get their flu vaccine with the launch of the 2019 flu campaign today.

“With more than 9,600 confirmed influenza cases in NSW already this year, incuding more than 500 in Northern NSW, people should call ahead to their GP or pharmacist to get their flu jabs,” Paul Corben, Director North Coast Public Health Unit, said.

“One million flu vaccines have now been delivered across the State.”

Pregnant women, young children and the elderly will be a major focus of this year’s flu campaign.

Free flu vaccines are available for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, those aged over 65, and anyone with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Hospitalisation rates for influenza are highest in young children with recent national figures showing about 100 per 100,000 in those aged six to 23 months.

Mr Corben outlined the importance of the vaccine to the community.

“While we might all take flu for granted as a common winter disease, it can be deadly,” Mr Corben said.

“In 2017, we had a significant flu season where more than 650 people died across the state.

“We cannot afford to be complacent.”

The NSW Government has invested about $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

Free flu vaccines for children aged from six months to under five years of age are being provided under the NSW Government’s $2.6 million program.

In addition to booking a flu shot, people are reminded that to help reduce the spread of flu, sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly and stay home if sick.